Arizona Western women’s hoops makes final preparations for NJCAA Tournament

Before their first round matchup on Tuesday, the Lady Mats got some work in at the House as they look for a tournament win for the first time in three years

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA, KECY) - Arizona Western women's basketball held practice at the House on Friday before their trip to the NJCAA tournament.

Head coach Chelsea Dewey's squad is back in the big dance for the first time since 2022, when they made a run to the quarterfinal round.

The Lady Mats' journey this year will start with a game against 20 seed State Fair Community College.

Dewey says her team's pace will be key to getting past the Roadrunners.

"We're going to have to keep the tempo (at) our tempo, we're gonna have to take good shots, and we're going to have to really defend, it's another team that likes to shove it down our throats," Dewey said.

The accomplishment of even making the tournament is something the team doesn't take lightly.

Sophomore guard Dyvine Harris says it's a moment her team earned.

"I mean it's a great feeling i think we definitely worked hard and this is something we definitely deserve," Harris said.

Dewey, opting to keep focus on her players, also understands the significance of getting back to the championship.

"I'm glad we made it there, it just shows what the kids have done for this program to get us back into the national ranks so just really proud of them," Dewey said.

First round action tips off at 1:30 p.m. Tuesday from Casper, Wyo.